Future of fast ferries in doubt as cost of fuel soars

High-speed ferries between Ireland and Britain are slowing down by a quarter of an hour per trip to save fuel and face being replaced by conventional ferries operating at half the speed unless the oil price falls.

Stena Line has also introduced a fuel surcharge of £10 per vehicle and £2 for foot passengers.

The crossing time between Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin, and Holyhead, North Wales, will rise from 99 minutes to 115. The trip from Belfast to Stranraer will take 119 minutes, an increase of up to 14 minutes depending on the time of day. The reduction in speed will reduce fuel consumption by 8 per cent.

Michael McGrath, Stena’s Irish Sea director, hinted that the high oil price could result in the withdrawal…

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